FOUR of Boro’s most promising youngsters have signed new contracts with the club. Most notably, versatile defender Seb Hines has penned a two-year deal.

The 19-year-old from North Yorkshire, who went to school in Wetherby with Manchester City and England full-back Micah Richards, scored on his debut in the 4-3 FA Cup third-round replay victory over Hull last season.

He has been capped at a number of youth levels for England and has impressed Gareth Southgate with a series of assured performances.

Fellow teenagers Graeme Owens, Rhys Williams and Jonathan Grounds have been given their first professional contracts after emerging from the club’s renowned Rockliffe Park Academy.